Christiana Gokyo, Jos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in Jos on Thursday on an emergency visit following the recent killings in Angwan Rukuba, in Jos North Local Government Area.
During his visit, the President directed the immediate installation of 5,000 CCTV cameras across identified flashpoints in Plateau State as part of urgent measures to address the worsening security situation.
The directive was given during a brief stakeholders’ meeting held at Yakubu Gowon Airport, following the recent attack in Angwan Rukuba, where at least 28 persons were reportedly killed by unidentified gunmen.
The President also approved the formation of a delegation of key stakeholders to engage in further deliberations on lasting solutions to the security challenges in the state.
He condoled with the families of the victims and directed that support be provided to cushion their losses.
According to him, there is a need for unity and collective action to end the cycle of violence, adding that no amount of financial compensation can replace lost lives.
He further assured citizens of the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and preventing a recurrence of such incidents.
“We must break the shackles of violence, ignorance, poverty, and hopelessness together,” he said,
He also hailed the security agencies for their ongoing efforts, urging them to intensify operations to apprehend those responsible for the attacks.
He added that the Federal Government would expand the stakeholders’ committee to include more leaders and officials, while also initiating data-driven support measures for victims’ families before returning to Abuja.
The Governor also appealed for continued federal support, including approval for further engagements in Abuja to develop long-term strategies for peace and security.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed that the CCTV project would include the deployment of artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance systems, starting with Jos.
He noted that similar security infrastructure has been successfully implemented in other parts of the country.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Jacob Gyang Buba, commended the President for his visit and appealed for an opportunity for Plateau leaders to meet with him in Abuja to present a comprehensive briefing on the state’s security challenges.
